Colombia reports 29 arrests and combat deaths in anti-crime operations

Colombian authorities have reported significant results from recent operations against criminal organizations across several regions. President Abelardo De la Espriella announced that security forces conducted operations resulting in 29 arrests and the deaths of two suspected members of the Clan del Golfo during combat in Yarumal, Antioquia.

In Mitú, Vaupés, authorities captured five alleged members of the Armando Ríos structure and seized 1,058 kilograms of marijuana along with two boats. In Ibagué, Tolima, police intercepted a truck carrying 611.8 kilograms of cocaine. Additionally, operations in Puerto Asís and Puerto Santander targeted illegal hydrocarbon processing, leading to the destruction of two infrastructures and four refining structures, as well as the seizure of over 43,000 gallons of fuel.

In a separate operational report for Ibagué, the 18th Infantry Battalion noted that throughout 2026, coordinated efforts between the Army, Police, and Prosecutor's Office have resulted in 116 hits against criminal structures. This includes the capture of 15 members of residual organized armed groups (GAO-r), six members of organized crime groups (GDO), and 89 members of common organized crime groups (DELCO). The operations also led to the recovery of three minors who had been recruited by illegal groups.